ewing. the 81-year-old was reprising his role as j.r. in the tnt reboot of "dallas." you're not a kinder, gentler version of yourself? >> hardly. >> reporter: along with family his co-stars were at his side when hagman died in a dallas hospital friday, finally succumbing to the throat cancer he had been battling. in a statement, nbc co-star linda gray said "larry hagman was my best friend for 35 years. he was a pied piper of life and brought joy to everyone he knew. the world was a brighter place because of him." on the site of the real life south fork ranch outside dallas, fans mourned the loss of the tv legend. >> it's really sad to hear because his character made the show. >> reporter: hagman was also remembered for his role as major nelson in "i dream of genie." friday night barbara eden reminisced about her co-star. >> i am deeply saddened. he was a big part of my life, a glorious man, wonderfully talented. quite frankly, i thought he would go on forever. >> reporter: hagman was the son of broadway icon mary martin. he appeared in scores of tv scores and films bu